There are many scholarships specifically for surviving spouses and children of fallen service members. The qualifications for each scholarship may be a little different, so be sure to check the details.
This post is part of my ongoing Military Scholarships series. Check out the rest of the lists to make sure you’re taking advantage of every scholarship opportunity.
This list is updated periodically but not constantly. Use it to point you in the right direction but do your own research! There are more opportunities out there, especially depending on your loved one’s branch of service or specialty. Feel free to reach out and I can help you look.
Veterans United Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: 31 March and 31 October
Description: These scholarships are open to three groups:
- A veteran with 100% service connected disability
- A surviving spouse of a deceased servicemember from a service-related death
- A surviving child of a deceased servicemember from a service-related death
Amount: unspecified
Link: https://www.enhancelives.com/scholarships
General John Paul Ratay Educational Fund Grants
Deadline: February
Description: These grants are limited to children whose military parent retired and subsequently died. Students qualifying for a loan who meet the criteria of a Ratay grant are automatically considered. Students who believe they are eligible for these grants and who do not receive a request for supporting documentation should email edassist@moaa.org. Funding for this grant is limited, so we might not award these annually.
Amount: unspecified
Link: https://www.moaa.org/loans/#Scholarships-and-Grants
Folded Flag Foundation
Deadline: 15 April for Summer semester, 15 May for Fall/Spring semesters
Description:
Eligible recipients must be the spouse (all ages) or child (under the age of 26) of:
- A member of the U.S. military who died as a result of hostile action or in an accident related to U.S. combat operations.
- An employee of the U.S. government who died as a result of hostile action or in an accident related to U.S. combat operations.
There are several programs:
“Children’s Education Scholarship
For eligible children in grades K-12, The Folded Flag Foundation provides scholarships and educational grants to cover private school tuition and fees, tutoring, after-school programs, summer camps and other related educational expenses.
College or Technical/Trade School Scholarship
For college-bound* spouses and children, The Folded Flag Foundation provides scholarships and educational grants to cover tuition and fees, books, computers, living expenses (to include child care for students with young children), tutoring, test preparation services and career preparation expenses (internships, resume writing workshops, interview preparation training, etc.).
Summer Activities or Summer School
We will be accepting applications for summer activities or summer school. There will be a limit of no more than 3 activities, they need to be in person and not virtual. Summer awards have no impact on any fall/spring awards.
The General Montgomery (Monty) C. Meigs Scholarship
The General Montgomery (Monty) C. Meigs Scholarship is awarded to an individual who demonstrates the outstanding characteristics of Monty Meigs. This individual excels both in the classroom and on the field and strives to help others through selfless service.”
Amount: varies
Link: https://www.foldedflagfoundation.org/how-to-apply/
American Legion Legacy Scholarship
Deadline: 26 March 2025
Description: The American Legion Legacy Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship for the children of U.S. military members who died while on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, or have been assigned a combined disability rating of 50 percent or greater by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Amount: varies
Link: https://www.legion.org/get-involved/scholarships/the-american-legion-legacy-scholarship
Children of Fallen Patriots
Deadline: rolling
Description: Children of Fallen Patriots offers college scholarships and educational counseling to the children of military personnel who have passed away in the line of duty.
Amount: varies
Link: https://www.fallenpatriots.org/faqs-for-families
Coast Guard Foundation Fallen Heroes Scholarship
Deadline: rolling
Description:This scholarship benefits dependent children of CG members (enlisted and commissioned officers) who lost their life in CG land, air, or sea operations.
Amount: varies
Link: https://1coastguardfoundationscholars.communityforce.com/Funds/Search.aspx
If you belong to an organization that has a scholarship for military service members, veterans, spouses, kids, or other family members, please let me know. I’d love to include it in my list!
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